The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Implementation Committee to drive a nationwide digital skills program aimed at training and certifying one million Nigerians in digital and emerging skills, as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development and prepare the workforce for future jobs.
The initiative, which also includes plans for a National Digital Literacy Conference, is designed to support Nigeria’s long-term goal of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030. The committee was inaugurated in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Mr Ibrahim Kana.
Speaking at the event, which coincided with the launch of the ClergyWealth Digital Skills Nigeria (SkillUp) Initiative, Kana described the programme as a strategic step towards inclusive digital transformation, noting that digital skills are now critical for economic competitiveness, job creation and MSME growth.
According to him, the Joint Implementation Committee is tasked with providing leadership, coordination and oversight for the planning of the National Digital Literacy Conference, as well as the rollout of the training and certification of one million Nigerians across the country.
“The task before this committee is national in scope and strategic in importance. It is expected to ensure policy alignment, effective stakeholder coordination and inclusive implementation that prioritises youths, women, underserved communities and persons with disabilities,” Kana said.
He clarified that the SkillUp Initiative is fully funded and implemented by ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited, stressing that the Federal Government has no financial obligation under the programme. “For the avoidance of doubt, this initiative is one hundred per cent privately sponsored. There is no budgetary provision or funding responsibility on the part of the Federal Government,” he added.
Kana noted that recent resolutions of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy provide strong policy backing for the initiative, including the adoption of the Future Proof Economy model as the framework for Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework.
Members of the Joint Implementation Committee were drawn from key federal ministries and agencies, including Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Education; Youth Development; Information and National Orientation; TETFund; NITDA;
as well as state governments, ICT professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and ClergyWealth.
Also speaking, the Deputy National Coordinator of ClergyWealth Cooperative Society Limited, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, said the SkillUp Initiative is structured to equip one million Nigerian youths with practical digital skills required for remote work, digital entrepreneurship and global technology opportunities.
She explained that participants would undergo hands-on training in digital tools, online safety and emerging technologies, with each batch completing a six-month training program covering six modules. Successful participants will also sit for internationally recognized certification examinations and receive personal computers to support their productivity.
“At the end of the program, we would have trained one million Nigerians and positioned them to access global job opportunities and digital income streams,” Osikoya said.
She added that the program targets youths, clergy, civil society leaders, and rural dwellers across the country while complementing ClergyWealth’s broader empowerment efforts, including artisan support, microcredit schemes, and access to a global job portal.
The initiative is expected to play a key role in improving Nigeria’s digital readiness, expanding employment opportunities for young people, and supporting the growth of MSMEs in an increasingly digital economy.
